FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[Retired Old Rat]

I haven't read through all your pages, so please excuse me if this has already been posted.

John Gagliardi will be featured tonight on the ESPN college football awards show, which airs from 6pm-9pm EST time.

John will also be discussed on ESPN2's Outside The Lines program at 4:30pm EST today. Former UMU coach Larry Kehres will be part of the discussion.

[badgerwarhawk]

There was some banter about Mount and creating fear in some teams...reference was made to "peeing down their leg" yada yada yada. Some found that ridiculous (Badgerwarhawk). Well from the D3football.com (I hear they are an authority on D3 football  ) frontpage comes an article about NCC with the following:

"One of the things about the Mount Unions and Whitewaters is that they beat teams before they even step on the field," Dierking said. "They have their national championships and tradition. We have to know that we can play with them in all phases of the game – offense, defense and special teams. We can't allow ourselves to be intimidated by who they are. That's going to give us an opportunity to play the best and beat the best."

About sums it up for me.

As for the predictions - Atomic football is a joke. They have Mount currently ranked 4th behind all other teams still playing - and aren't they the ones that had Mount ranked like 10th (or worse) last year? As far as Massey in concerned - there is one thing worth posting from that site: http://www.masseyratings.com/map.php?s=199231&t=11620

But then again it appears they have been correct in every round with the winner(s). So I guess Mount will lose so why play the game? Oh right - cuz "The Autumn Wind is a Raider"! Roll Raiders!

I didn't say that I found your considering other teams intimidated by UMU hilariously funny.  I said that your considering them sufficently intimidated that they "wet their pants" was hilariously funny.  There's a difference.  Also it's true that my opinion is probably influenced by my WARHAWK background.  We've always respected UMU's program but I can tell you for a fact we've never wet (our) pants.

[HScoach]

Regardless of what adjective or descriptor is used, there have been many a team over the last 20 years that wanted nothing to do with Mount Union on the field and were beat before they got off the bus.   This usually applies to the bottom feeders in the OAC (or even Otterbein this season) or about 1/3 of the 1st round playoff opponents.   

There have been numerous teams that played tough and pushed Mount around for a half but completely collapsed/imploded when Mount made a run.  Most notably Rowan in the 1996 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-21 at half and lost 56-24.   Or again in the 1998 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-20 and lost 44-24 as Mount rolled in the 2nd half.   

Each of these scenarios could be considered "pissing down their leg", either from the start or in crunch time.

And no.  I've never thought UWW fell into that category. 

[Raider 68]

Regardless of what adjective or descriptor is used, there have been many a team over the last 20 years that wanted nothing to do with Mount Union on the field and were beat before they got off the bus.   This usually applies to the bottom feeders in the OAC (or even Otterbein this season) or about 1/3 of the 1st round playoff opponents.   

There have been numerous teams that played tough and pushed Mount around for a half but completely collapsed/imploded when Mount made a run.  Most notably Rowan in the 1996 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-21 at half and lost 56-24.   Or again in the 1998 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-20 and lost 44-24 as Mount rolled in the 2nd half.   

Each of these scenarios could be considered "pissing down their leg", either from the start or in crunch time.

And no.  I've never thought UWW fell into that category. 

What we could see on Saturday from North Central is a team that looks like Wittenberg (at least the
uniforms). Wittenberg was competitive in the first half then the Raiders were very efficient in the second half. Do I believe NC is stronger than Wittenberg, YES, both NC And Wittenberg have some similiarities, good passing and running games. We'll see!

[robertgoulet]

Regardless of what adjective or descriptor is used, there have been many a team over the last 20 years that wanted nothing to do with Mount Union on the field and were beat before they got off the bus.   This usually applies to the bottom feeders in the OAC (or even Otterbein this season) or about 1/3 of the 1st round playoff opponents.   

There have been numerous teams that played tough and pushed Mount around for a half but completely collapsed/imploded when Mount made a run.  Most notably Rowan in the 1996 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-21 at half and lost 56-24.   Or again in the 1998 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-20 and lost 44-24 as Mount rolled in the 2nd half.   

Each of these scenarios could be considered "pissing down their leg", either from the start or in crunch time.

And no.  I've never thought UWW fell into that category. 

What we could see on Saturday from North Central is a team that looks like Wittenberg (at least the
uniforms). Wittenberg was competitive in the first half then the Raiders were very efficient in the second half. Do I believe NC is stronger than Wittenberg, YES, both NC And Wittenberg have some similiarities, good passing and running games. We'll see!

My main worry (and I'm sure most NCC fans) is NCC starting slow due to the reasons mentioned on the CCIW board (1st time playing Mt Union...and AT Mt Union, 1st time in the Semi's). In the few games where NCC had to keep their starters in past halftime (IWU, Wheaton, Bethel), they've managed to use their tempo and efficiency to pull away in the 2nd half, so I don't really worry about them fading late in the game.

Has Mt Union faced any teams that run an up-tempo type of offense (think Oregon-lite)?

[formerd3db]

Regardless of what adjective or descriptor is used, there have been many a team over the last 20 years that wanted nothing to do with Mount Union on the field and were beat before they got off the bus.   This usually applies to the bottom feeders in the OAC (or even Otterbein this season) or about 1/3 of the 1st round playoff opponents.   

There have been numerous teams that played tough and pushed Mount around for a half but completely collapsed/imploded when Mount made a run.  Most notably Rowan in the 1996 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-21 at half and lost 56-24.   Or again in the 1998 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-20 and lost 44-24 as Mount rolled in the 2nd half.   

Each of these scenarios could be considered "pissing down their leg", either from the start or in crunch time.

And no.  I've never thought UWW fell into that category. 

What we could see on Saturday from North Central is a team that looks like Wittenberg (at least the
uniforms). Wittenberg was competitive in the first half then the Raiders were very efficient in the second half. Do I believe NC is stronger than Wittenberg, YES, both NC And Wittenberg have some similiarities, good passing and running games. We'll see!

My main worry (and I'm sure most NCC fans) is NCC starting slow due to the reasons mentioned on the CCIW board (1st time playing Mt Union...and AT Mt Union, 1st time in the Semi's). In the few games where NCC had to keep their starters in past halftime (IWU, Wheaton, Bethel), they've managed to use their tempo and efficiency to pull away in the 2nd half, so I don't really worry about them fading late in the game.

Has Mt Union faced any teams that run an up-tempo type of offense (think Oregon-lite)?

Not having seen NCC play, I obviously am uniformed about their style, so please forgive this, perhaps, stupid question.  Are you saying that if NCC plays an up-tempo i.e. hurry-up type of offense that it might perhaps be a potential edge or plus for them against at team like Mount?  Regardless, I kind of have a feeling this might be another close exciting game like the Mount/Wesley one, yet who knows since these playoffs can range from surprise blow-outs to close nail-biters.

[robertgoulet]

Regardless of what adjective or descriptor is used, there have been many a team over the last 20 years that wanted nothing to do with Mount Union on the field and were beat before they got off the bus.   This usually applies to the bottom feeders in the OAC (or even Otterbein this season) or about 1/3 of the 1st round playoff opponents.   

There have been numerous teams that played tough and pushed Mount around for a half but completely collapsed/imploded when Mount made a run.  Most notably Rowan in the 1996 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-21 at half and lost 56-24.   Or again in the 1998 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-20 and lost 44-24 as Mount rolled in the 2nd half.   

Each of these scenarios could be considered "pissing down their leg", either from the start or in crunch time.

And no.  I've never thought UWW fell into that category. 

What we could see on Saturday from North Central is a team that looks like Wittenberg (at least the
uniforms). Wittenberg was competitive in the first half then the Raiders were very efficient in the second half. Do I believe NC is stronger than Wittenberg, YES, both NC And Wittenberg have some similiarities, good passing and running games. We'll see!

My main worry (and I'm sure most NCC fans) is NCC starting slow due to the reasons mentioned on the CCIW board (1st time playing Mt Union...and AT Mt Union, 1st time in the Semi's). In the few games where NCC had to keep their starters in past halftime (IWU, Wheaton, Bethel), they've managed to use their tempo and efficiency to pull away in the 2nd half, so I don't really worry about them fading late in the game.

Has Mt Union faced any teams that run an up-tempo type of offense (think Oregon-lite)?

Not having seen NCC play, I obviously am uniformed about their style, so please forgive this, perhaps, stupid question.  Are you saying that if NCC plays an up-tempo i.e. hurry-up type of offense that it might perhaps be a potential edge or plus for them against at team like Mount?  Regardless, I kind of have a feeling this might be another close exciting game like the Mount/Wesley one, yet who knows since these playoffs can range from surprise blow-outs to close nail-biters.

I would think if a team hasn't faced a high-tempo offense it would have more chance of being a detriment to them than a positive for them, especially late in the game when you can't run subs in and out due to the lack of huddles. It's possible that Mt's talent edge over more than makes up for the possibility that they may be gassed towards the end of the game and it's all moot, however (like when Oregon met up with Auburn or Ohio State a few years ago).

[D3MAFAN]

Regardless of what adjective or descriptor is used, there have been many a team over the last 20 years that wanted nothing to do with Mount Union on the field and were beat before they got off the bus.   This usually applies to the bottom feeders in the OAC (or even Otterbein this season) or about 1/3 of the 1st round playoff opponents.   

There have been numerous teams that played tough and pushed Mount around for a half but completely collapsed/imploded when Mount made a run.  Most notably Rowan in the 1996 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-21 at half and lost 56-24.   Or again in the 1998 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-20 and lost 44-24 as Mount rolled in the 2nd half.   

Each of these scenarios could be considered "pissing down their leg", either from the start or in crunch time.

And no.  I've never thought UWW fell into that category. 

What we could see on Saturday from North Central is a team that looks like Wittenberg (at least the
uniforms). Wittenberg was competitive in the first half then the Raiders were very efficient in the second half. Do I believe NC is stronger than Wittenberg, YES, both NC And Wittenberg have some similiarities, good passing and running games. We'll see!

My main worry (and I'm sure most NCC fans) is NCC starting slow due to the reasons mentioned on the CCIW board (1st time playing Mt Union...and AT Mt Union, 1st time in the Semi's). In the few games where NCC had to keep their starters in past halftime (IWU, Wheaton, Bethel), they've managed to use their tempo and efficiency to pull away in the 2nd half, so I don't really worry about them fading late in the game.

Has Mt Union faced any teams that run an up-tempo type of offense (think Oregon-lite)?

Not having seen NCC play, I obviously am uniformed about their style, so please forgive this, perhaps, stupid question.  Are you saying that if NCC plays an up-tempo i.e. hurry-up type of offense that it might perhaps be a potential edge or plus for them against at team like Mount?  Regardless, I kind of have a feeling this might be another close exciting game like the Mount/Wesley one, yet who knows since these playoffs can range from surprise blow-outs to close nail-biters.

I would think if a team hasn't faced a high-tempo offense it would have more chance of being a detriment to them than a positive for them, especially late in the game when you can't run subs in and out due to the lack of huddles. It's possible that Mt's talent edge over more than makes up for the possibility that they may be gassed towards the end of the game and it's all moot, however (like when Oregon met up with Auburn or Ohio State a few years ago).

Don't know if the defenses are as good, but I wouldn't expect any less from the "Machine"!

[USee]

For what it is worth.

@JeffZupReview: Mount Union has never played North Central. @purpleraiders are 31-1 vs first-time opp in playoffs since 1993. Avg. score is 46-13

Forgive my ignorance ( I am not the sharpest spoon in the drawer) but stats like this don't make any sense since Mt Union is 100gazillion-1 in games when the sun sets in the west and the Pope is Catholic. If you have basically won every game in the last 20 years, doesn't that make stats like this a little meaningless? (Not just this one but I saw a few others this week of "Mount is 100-1 when [INSERT CONDITION HERE] and 1,000-1 when [INSERT SUBSEQUENT CONDITION].

[emma17]

Regardless of what adjective or descriptor is used, there have been many a team over the last 20 years that wanted nothing to do with Mount Union on the field and were beat before they got off the bus.   This usually applies to the bottom feeders in the OAC (or even Otterbein this season) or about 1/3 of the 1st round playoff opponents.   

There have been numerous teams that played tough and pushed Mount around for a half but completely collapsed/imploded when Mount made a run.  Most notably Rowan in the 1996 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-21 at half and lost 56-24.   Or again in the 1998 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-20 and lost 44-24 as Mount rolled in the 2nd half.   

Each of these scenarios could be considered "pissing down their leg", either from the start or in crunch time.

And no.  I've never thought UWW fell into that category.

Seems to me the lesson is stay away from 24 pts when playing Mt- (he hates those cans)! 

I'd be surprised if you didn't have complete agreement to this notion. I'd be surprised too if NCC  didn't have some initial mistakes related to nerves from the new experience. I'd also be surprised if NCC didn't overcome the nerves though. I hope it's a great game from both teams.

[retagent]

Thanks to Coach Kehres (Larry) for his kind words about John Gagliardi on the feature segment on ESPN. He was very effusive in his praise, and when given an opening to sing praises of some of his own considerable accomplishments, he kept the spotlight on John. Pure class. I can't think of a better person to give an outside perspective on our coach.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Thanks to Coach Kehres (Larry) for his kind words about John Gagliardi on the feature segment on ESPN. He was very effusive in his praise, and when given an opening to sing praises of some of his own considerable accomplishments, he kept the spotlight on John. Pure class. I can't think of a better person to give an outside perspective on our coach.

And probably the ONLY coach who could have EVER broken Gagliardi's wins record was LK.  At 13-15 wins a year, he would have broken it by his mid-70s, IIRC.  (I wonder if he would have gone for it if not for standing in son Vince's way? )

[wesleydad]

Regardless of what adjective or descriptor is used, there have been many a team over the last 20 years that wanted nothing to do with Mount Union on the field and were beat before they got off the bus.   This usually applies to the bottom feeders in the OAC (or even Otterbein this season) or about 1/3 of the 1st round playoff opponents.   

There have been numerous teams that played tough and pushed Mount around for a half but completely collapsed/imploded when Mount made a run.  Most notably Rowan in the 1996 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-21 at half and lost 56-24.   Or again in the 1998 Stagg Bowl where Rowan led 24-20 and lost 44-24 as Mount rolled in the 2nd half.   

Each of these scenarios could be considered "pissing down their leg", either from the start or in crunch time.

And no.  I've never thought UWW fell into that category.

I will totally agree with Coach here.  We talked after the game this week and both thought that Wesley looked like they did not want to be there or couldn't handle that they were there and 31-0 in the 1st quarter confirmed it.  I was thinking this is just like the UWW games in I think 05 and 06, fall behind early and never get in the game.  I am not sure what happened but something changed and Wesley said "we have nothing to lose so lets get after it and see what happens" and all hell broke loose and Wesley was not intimidated anymore and found out that they could compete with Mount and showed it the rest of the game.  It will be interesting to see if we meet again next year if the start is different having been their before.

[jaypeter]

It made me laugh when he said, "The first time we played, John was older than I am now."  But a good piece about a true legend of a coach. 

[bleedpurple]

Don't know if anyone else has been paying attention to the weather forecast for Saturday, but it's trending toward a winter wonderland.   Which both teams have played in this post season.  So I'm calling it right now.  NO WEATHER EXCUSES ALLOWED FOR EITHER TEAM.

Really interested in seeing which Mount team shows up and how NCC compares.   From Augie to Wheaton to now NCC, I've always had great respect for the CCIW.   I don't know what to expect from Mount schematically or personnel-wise on defense, but this much I know, VK will have something changed for this week.  Don't have a clue if it will ultimately work, but it won't be simply the same thing we saw against Wesley and hoping for better results.  Is it Saturday yet?

For the sake of your sanity and overall well being,HSCoach, I certainly hope so!